A correlation between names and success?

Tuesday

Apr 16, 2013 at 12:01 AMApr 16, 2013 at 11:59 PM

Erich Murphy's weekly Sez MEE column

Erich Murphy

I see Darwin Barney was in the lineup for the Chicago Cubs last night. He’s a good ballplayer but his name says otherwise. Although it is said that a name doesn’t mean anything, it often does. I am reminded of an episode of “WKRP in Cincinnati” when the news guy visits the station’s receptionist at her apartment. Those of my generation and TV ilk will remember that Jennifer was a vivacious and “hot” woman who could get what she wanted. When the news guy — Les Nessman — met Jennifer’s “beau” in this episode, Steele Hawthorne, it was the perfect visual of what these guys were. Les Nessman was a small, mousy person and Steele was a hunk of a guy, good looking and muscular. I have found in sports that there seem to be athletic names and athletes with names that simply do not fit. What do think of when you hear the name “Darwin Barney”? My first visual is that of Barney Fife on the old Andy Griffith Show. Obviously a name does not tell if someone will be good at something. That comes from the individual. What natural talents are there and how well does the person work at being the best possible. In my very unscientific research of the subject, very few imperial-sounding names end up being failures while few commonly named athletes excel to stardom. Jim Thorpe, who I consider to be the greatest athlete of the 20th Century, is a name of glory. His athletic prowess shows that, but the name — Thorpe — rings powerful to me. I think it may be the “Thor” part of it. Thor was the Norse mythological god of thunder. He is depicted as a muscular and strong being wielding his mighty hammer. Names of those old-time players are easy to use as examples because they were successful. But if you think about, how many people named Joe Smith or Mike Jones are among the elite players of all time in any sport? Those are common names and many were undoubtedly successful to a degree. I would say the most “common” name that is a star is Tom Brady. Really, there is nothing special that stands out in the name; but the guy can play football. A good nickname also helps. “Bronko” Nagurski, “Night Train” Lane, Lou “Iron Horse” Gehrig are among those who stand out. Stars just seem to have “it.” Of a more recent time, Brian Urlacher is a great sports name. The “ur” part of his name is like a growl. Who better to be a middle linebacker for the Bears than someone who growls? Starlin Castro is another person with a name of recognition. “Star” leads one to a belief of greatness and “Castro” is a name of a leader regardless of how much he (the leader) is despised. Remember, Fidel Castro was a baseball hopeful. And if the New York Giants had signed him, Cuba probably would never have become a Communist state. You want to get local? Addison Bounds is a good sports name. So is Jordan Tharp. Both are successful in more than one sport and are among the best around. Not all great names are players. Look at Brady Quinn. He has a wonderful sports name but not has panned out as a star. Turk Schoenert is another. In looking back, I guess my downfall in sports stardom was my name. Erich Murphy dies not ring fear in opponents. Oh, well, them’s the breaks, I suppose.